Posted by Jay Bertolet on November 25, 2002 at 21:27:15:
In Reply to: BAMs without BATs posted by Tuba at Large on November 25, 2002 at 16:09:18:
I personally think this issue is a pretty big misconception on a lot of players' parts. A bigger mouthpiece does not necessarily translate into a bigger sound. Or, more accurately, a sound that projects more. My theory is that you should use the smallest mouthpiece you can that will still produce the sound you want. This will make the horn easier to control, will make the response more efficient, and will focus the sound better which will project more, especially in an ensemble. For me, the larger the mouthpiece I use, the harder the whole process is to control. Larger mouthpieces are harder to center, give wider intonation gaps for where notes slot, and chew up my air capacity like nothing else. I also don't think that smaller mouthpieces necessarily produce a brighter sound, just more focused. For an ensemble player like myself, what's not to love about that?
My opinion for what it's worth...